Father Patrick McDonnell, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Church, Hightstown, was principal celebrant of a Mass of Christian Burial Aug. 13 for Deacon Dennis Raymond O’Brien, who died Aug. 9 in Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick. He was 67.

Bishop John M. Smith was in attendance for the funeral Mass.

Deacon O’Brien, a resident of East Windsor, was born and raised in Michigan City, Ind. He graduated from Purdue University in 1965 and joined the Peace Corps in India from 1966 to 1968. He worked for Catholic Relief Services for 20 years serving in India, Africa and New York City.

Most recently he was an information technology consultant with New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Deacon O’Brien was ordained a permanent deacon by Bishop John M. Smith May 10, 2008 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. He was assigned to St. Anthony of Padua Parish where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Deacon O’Brien was the son of the late Howard and Catherine O’Brien. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Anastasio-O’Brien, formerly of Racine, Wisc; two sons: Daniel (Jennifer Sonenklare) of Rye Brook, N.Y, and Dominic and his fiancé, Angelene Chmielski of Media, Pa.; a daughter, Tara (Brian) Witcher of Indianapolis, Ind.; a sister, Sharon O’Brien of Phoenix, Ariz; four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Interment was in Calvary Cemetery, Racine, Wisc. Memorial donations may be made to the Franciscan Life Center, 267 Finch Ave., Meridan, CT 06451.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Barlow and Zimmer Funeral Home, Hightstown.